Human Trafficking in Nigeria

• Nigeria is a source and destination route for human trafficking within Africa. Within Africa and the world, Nigeria has one of the highest number of detected trafficking victims.
• The victims are trafficked for illegal sex work, child labour and other domestic work. Form children to adults, human trafficking occurs through deceit or force.
• Within Nigeria, citizens from West African countries are the most susceptible to human trafficking followed by a few Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, China and Lebanon.

Destination Countries of Trafficking Victims

• Nigerians who are lured into going abroad (either to Europe or Asia) often get stuck at Libya which accounts for the highest number of rescued victims.
• Trafficking to Arab countries is mostly for labour and sexual exploitations and most victims come from North Central and South Western States of Nigeria.
• West African countries, as well as North African countries are sometimes transit routes for those who have not achieved their ‘European’ or ‘Asian’ dream.

Destination Continents of Trafficking Victims

• The West African region is an active space for human trafficking. According to UNODC, there are more victims of human trafficking within West Africa than any other region in Africa.
• Victims going to European countries are mostly from Delta and Edo state and often get trapped in transit countries on their way to the European Continent.

Share of Human Trafficking Victims per State